Handheld OCT Optical Layout for Self-Measured Retinal Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems for measuring retinal thickness are complex, expensive, and not suited for regular, in-home monitoring due to their size, weight, and requirement for trained operators, making them unsuitable for daily or weekly use and inaccessible to patients.
Innovation Solution
A compact, handheld OCT system with reduced optical path and weight, capable of measuring retinal thickness changes as small as 25 μm, designed for in-home use, featuring a light source that sweeps wavelengths from 3 nm to 10 nm, and circuitry that drives the light source with a sawtooth waveform for accurate and reliable measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior OCT systems are used for retinal thickness measurement, then measurement precision is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential OCT measurement functionality from complex clinical systems, implementing a simplified handheld device that performs retinal thickness measurement without requiring full clinical-grade system complexity. The invention isolates the core interferometric measurement capability while removing unnecessary auxiliary systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cost-effective optical components and a simplified optical design that reduces system cost significantly compared to clinical OCT systems. The handheld device uses affordable light sources, detectors, and optical elements while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for retinal thickness monitoring.
2Measurement precision
If prior OCT systems are used for retinal thickness measurement, then measurement precision is achieved, but weight and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the OCT system into compact, integrated modules within a handheld form factor. The optical path is folded and miniaturized using discrete optical components arranged in a compact configuration, enabling the entire measurement system to fit in a portable device weighing only a fraction of clinical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses folded optical paths and three-dimensional optical component arrangement to achieve compact physical dimensions while maintaining the required optical path length for OCT measurement. The optical bench is replaced with a compact optical train that achieves the same measurement capability in a handheld form factor.
3Measurement precision
If prior OCT systems are used for retinal thickness measurement, then measurement precision is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to trained operator requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated alignment and measurement acquisition features that eliminate the need for trained operators. The handheld device includes automatic eye tracking, automated focus acquisition, and software-guided measurement protocols that enable patients or caregivers to perform measurements without specialized training while maintaining measurement precision.
4Productivity
If in-home monitoring is implemented, then productivity and accessibility improve, but reliability may deteriorate due to handling hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the handheld OCT device with robust mechanical structures that can withstand drops and handling hazards. The optical components are mounted on vibration-isolated platforms, and the device includes protective casing and shock-absorbing elements that maintain measurement reliability even after accidental drops during home use.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The compact OCT system allows for accurate and reliable in-home monitoring of retinal thickness, providing repeatability and reproducibility within acceptable tolerances, enabling patients to measure themselves and reducing healthcare costs by eliminating the need for frequent clinical visits.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that sweeps wavelengths from 3 nm to 10 nm
Implementation Method 2
optical coherence tomography (OCT) system
Data Source
AI summary
Improved optical coherence tomography systems and methods to measure thickness of the retina are presented. The systems may be compact, handheld, provide in-home monitoring, allow the patient to measure himself or herself, and be robust enough to be dropped while still measuring the retina reliably.